WASHINGTON — Among the possibilities to replace Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, Barack Obama is reportedly considering a Republican governor who identifies as “pro-choice.”

According to reports, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval is among those that Obama is vetting for the nomination.

Sandoval, formerly served as a federal judge after being nominated to the bench by then-President George W. Bush. In 2005, he was confirmed by the Senate unanimously after being praised by both Democrats and Republicans.

Sandoval left his work as a judge to run for governor in 2010, and defeated Rory Reid, the son of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, in the battle for the job.

While running for governor, while expressing approval for restrictions on abortion, Sandoval identified as “pro-choice.”

“I am pro-choice,” his campaign website read. “I oppose partial-birth abortion, late term abortion and federal funding for abortion. I support parental notification prior to a minor receiving an abortion and am against transporting minors across state lines for abortions.”

Other reports state that Sandoval personally disagrees with abortion but believes mothers should have the “choice” whether to end the life of their child in the womb.

Similarly, while Sandoval personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, he abandoned an appeal in defense of his state’s constitutional amendment last February after facing a legal challenge in federal court.

“Based upon the advice of the attorney general’s office and their interpretation of relevant case law, it has become clear that this case is no longer defensible in court,” he said.

Sandoval believes that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is the law and must be followed.

In 2013, he signed a type of hate crimes bill that would mandate harsher sentences for those who commit a crime against transgendered individuals.

While those close to Obama’s vetting process have confirmed that Sandoval is under consideration, Sandoval’s staff says that the White House has not yet contacted him about the matter. The selection process is still in its early stages and other possible nominees are also being weighed.

“First and foremost, the person I appoint will be eminently qualified,” Obama wrote for SCOTUSblog on Wednesday. “He or she will have an independent mind, rigorous intellect, impeccable credentials, and a record of excellence and integrity. I’m looking for a mastery of the law, with an ability to hone in on the key issues before the court, and provide clear answers to complex legal questions.”

“I seek judges who approach decisions without any particular ideology or agenda, but rather a commitment to impartial justice, a respect for precedent, and a determination to faithfully apply the law to the facts at hand,” he said.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has vowed to ignore any nominee that Obama nominates as it believes the selection should be made by Obama’s successor.

“I don’t know how many times we need to keep saying this: The Judiciary Committee has unanimously recommended to me that there be no hearing. I’ve said repeatedly and I’m now confident that my conference agrees that this decision ought to be made by the next president, whoever is elected,” Senate Majority Mitch McConnell declared on Tuesday.

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Amos Moses

It should be a dead letter…………………

Diaris

Gasp, a white man – horrors!
He must think conservatives are extremely stupid.
“Hey, a white guy – I guess he must be OK!”

lee metzger

So he believes the law must be followed in Obergefell vs Hodges? What about following the law when it comes to illegal immigrants? Liberal cities give sanctuary to these law-breakers, the same liberals who tell us we have to follow the law when it comes to gay marriage. Would this man after those cities and tell them they have to keep the law also? Doubt it….

Webb

Dear Imam Barry– Your nominee is going nowhere. You on the other hand will be gone in less than a year. Good riddance.

gizmo23

So Hillary will get to pick the next 2 or 3

Balerion

So too will a good number of republican senators if this keeps up.

FoJC_Forever

Obama, and all those like him, complain about their opponents doing things for political reasons. He does the same. The blood of the innocent is on the head of Obama and all those who support and practice abortion.

Judgement is coming.

Follow Jesus, find Salvation.

robertzaccour

Pro-abortion republican? That’s like a pro-life democrat. The Republican party was established to ensure freedom for all. I guess baby lives don’t matter…

thelordlives2011

Exactly. Good point Robert.

gizmo23

There are lot’s of pro life democrats

FoJC_Forever

Latest news is that he is declining the offer.

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